The Introduction
For 2000 years we’ve been living in the final chapter of an amazing story. Before it ends, Jesus wants us to get positioned for what’s next even as we live in the undeniable context of what’s now.
For instance, we’re tempted to feel pretty good if we don’t kill or commit adultery. Not bad, eh Lord? The religious folk of Jesus’ time said the same thing because they led morally correct lives according to the law. Don’t kid yourself, Jesus advises. Claiming righteousness now puts us in a bad position for the dawning kingdom. The truth is we’re ALL sinners in need of forgiveness. ‘Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick?’ Jesus asks later, ‘I’m after mercy, not religion’ (Matt 9: 12 – 13).
In light of this, it’s better to settle our differences than to maintain conflicts. Reconciliation is key; that’s why it’s a sacrament! It’s a visible sign of the inward reality of the kingdom. But to claim it, we have to practice it. Only by living in forgiveness do we experience it.
The Scripture (Matthew 5:23-24)
Jesus said, ‘So what does this look like in practice? Well, if you are on your way to offer your worship to God and you remember that you have offended a sister or brother and you haven’t sorted it out with them yet, then put everything on hold, and go and make peace straight away. Get your relationship back on good terms first, and then you are free to come and worship God’.
The Story – Take it to Heart
Years ago a columnist interviewed former President Jimmy Carter during a book tour. At the time, a political candidate was under fire for her unfortunate comments taken from scripture on sexuality. For the columnist it brought back memories of Carter’s notorious confession in a Playboy interview in 1976. ‘While he had always been faithful to soul (and sole) mate Rosalynn,’ the columnist wrote, he acknowledged that he had committed adultery ‘in his heart,’ a frank and humble admission with today’s gospel in mind.
Carter might have been naïve in answering the interviewer’s question so honestly in terms of his own faith. His honesty about sinning in his heart earned a flurry of late-night television jokes on the one hand and the disdain of the sanctimonious on the other. ‘I dropped 15 percentage points,’ Carter said, ‘and I almost lost the election’. Pointing to Carter’s continuing frankness, the columnist remarked, ‘It’s not easy being Jimmy’.
But then it’s not easy for anyone to be a Christian, and it shouldn’t be. Jesus’ words about the gravity of anger and adultery are meant to take us more deeply into our own hearts to examine not only how well we keep rules and laws but to be sure that we understand that merely ‘looking good’ to others is not the same as being good or doing good – and it is the latter that matters to God.
The Action
In what ways do you tend to see yourself as a pretty good person? How does ‘self-righteousness’ teach you about the deeper reality of sin we all live with? Make conscious choices today. See the difference between what’s passing and what’s important. In the light of the forgiveness given to you, choose to be forgiving.
The Commissioning
Go from here as effective disciples of Jesus Christ. Choose the life-giving way.
In the hurt of resentment, choose to forgive.
In the numbness of disappointment, choose to be patient.
In the roar of anger, choose the peaceful way.
In the conflict of different directions, choose the faithful way.
In the heartbreaking, deadening situation, choose life.
Choose life, and you will be an effective follower of Jesus Christ.
Choose life, and you will be an effective member of this faith community. Amen.
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